I am a proud Canadian living south of the border in Cancun, Mexico. I left the snow behind for the sand, and am learning to love my new life!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Another first in Mexico

The past few weeks we (my family and I) have learnt that it is time for this gringa to buy herself a vehicle. Not just any vehicle, but I am in need of a 7 passenger vehicle. My one problem? I won't drive a mini-van. This is in no way meant to offend anyone who does drive a mini-van out there, but I just don't ever want to drive one myself. The good news is that there are a lot of options out there for a 7 passenger SUV. YAY, there is a God!!

This will be our first time buying a brand new vehicle in Mexico. I was fortunate enough to have my first car bought for me by my parents when I was 16, and then got some help for my second. So technically this is actually my first car I'm buying by myself (thanks hubby)!

Now even though I am an amateur when it comes to car shopping, I am no dummy! I know that in Canada, and assuming the USA, interest rates are moderated, and there is always room to negotiate. Well, so far my experience here in Cancun has been a huge shock. Interest rates are all over the map - Toyota was happy to advise their rate was 15.95%, and the price is THE price. We were very honest with our sales lady and said sorry, we wont' waste your time as we will not pay 16% interest!

I could go on, and on about how different the experience was, but I really don't want to bore everyone! We went to Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi and Mazda. The Ford and Mazda dealership were the most impressive. The staff new their product, and were full of great information.

I think I have narrowed my picks down, but I most definitely have a favourite. I am hoping to be the owner of the Mazda CX9 in the new year!!! Anyone have an experience with it? Or even Mazda? If so, let me know!!

14 comments:

BULLSH*T!!! the Price is NOT the price. we were in need of the same... a 7 seater that wasted TOO big, but sufficient nonetheless. We just recently bought a Trailblazer, used, but in really good condition. We bartered down about 40k pesos. Don't give up! I'm sure you'll, or even hubby, can break them down! ;) Good luck!

HAHAH! I have been wanting a CX7! love this car! good lookin'. My mom and aunt both have had 4-5 mazdas between them -all sedans- but they are excellent. almost as good as a honda. better than a ford. go for it! Hazlo!

HAHAH! I have been wanting a CX7! love this car! good lookin'. My mom and aunt both have had 4-5 mazdas between them -all sedans- but they are excellent. almost as good as a honda. better than a ford. go for it! Hazlo!

Refried - Amiga, noooo frets! Hahaha, but for real, EVERY dealership has advised they will not budge on the price - FOR real!! Now this is for new vehicles and not semi nuevos, so maybe that's why?? Wanna hear another thing? Try searching used vehicles in Quintana Roo! Can't find many SUV's!!! I see a TON in Guadalajara, and NON here!!! Still doesn't mean I won't buy used, but I just have to "dig deeper" ! I was looking into the Tralblazer... Did you know they stopped making them? Anyways, maybe I'll get some luck with the used vehicles, but q.Roo sucks for them!

Kristan - Hilarious, AGAIN, another thing to add to our growing list of why we were destined to be friends! Hahaha!!! I love the CX7 too, but need the CX9 for the 7 passengers!! YAY that your family has had good luck with Mazdas'!!! This would be my first!! Hvala!!!

KfromMich - Yeah, we couldn't believe just how expensive things were...Especially here in Mexico! How can Mexicans' afford these?? I mean, I know the rich can, but the average person?!?!

Gringation - Thanks amiga, that's one of the reasons I like it too! Also, hubby isn't embarassed to drive it! LOL!! Many of the SUV's look girly HAHAHA!

Josie - Hahaha, my hubby wanted me to drive a mini-van initially, but ONLY because the cost was less!! He finalllly understands it is NEVER going to happen!! LOL!!!

Texx - We have thought about it, and it would be a LOT less expensive in the short-term, but nationalizing a car in Mexico is next to impossible, so long term VERY expensive when you can't re-sell it !!! Thanks for the thought though!!!!

@tex: I originally brought my Tahoe down from the States, and while I had my tourist permit, everything was fine. However, when I switched to a FM2, the change invalidates your previous permit. FM2s are not permitted to bring or keep their current vehicle in Mexico. (and believe me, SAT can't WAIT to impound your car) I had to go BACK to the states to sell it. More trouble than it's worth. :(

Don't forget to check out the Fiat dealership in Cancun! We bought a Fiat Panda two years ago in February--it was a good time to buy, they gave us all kinds of discounts. (One was a "business owner discount" and the other one because we were buying the previous year's model.) Long story short we ended up with a new small 4x4 for like 10k US. Happy hunting!

It is really nice that there are a lot of cars and brands to choose from nowadays. So, you can be sure that the car you will buy meet your criteria and convenience. The technology today has been very helpful in improving our driving experience, just like the Mazda CX9. It offers a comfortable drive even in a very long trip which is hard to find.